The birth rate in South Korea has reached an all-time low.

Over the past year, 249,000 children were born in the country, which is 4.4% less than in 2021. The birth rate in the country has been falling below one for the fifth year already. For 2022, the ratio was 0.78, the lowest since 1970. In addition, scientists note that the death rate in the country has increased by 17.4% and has exceeded the birth rate for the third year. Experts explained the situation by the fact that young people are postponing the birth of a child or refusing to give birth because of the difficult economic situation in the country. Experts also note that the age of birth of the first child in South Korea has increased to 33 years.